Molletes
Open rolls with refried beans and melted cheese, pico on top.
Ingredients
- 4 slices Baguette
- 1 tin Pinto beans
- 200 g Oaxaca cheese
- 1 Tomato
- ¼ Onion
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 Serrano chilies (optional)
Method
- Mash the pinto beans and warm them in a pan with the salt until spreadable.
- Chop the tomato, onion, and serrano and toss into a fresh pico.
- Spread the warm beans on the bread and top with the cheese.
- Grill the loaded rolls under a hot broiler until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 5 minutes.
- Top with the pico and serve.
Tap “Start cooking” for live timers that flag what to get ahead on while something simmers.
About Molletes
Molletes are a beloved Mexican breakfast built on the simplest possible logic: split bread, refried beans, melted cheese, and a fresh salsa on top. Rooted in the everyday Mexican kitchen, they turn pantry staples into something hot and satisfying in under twenty minutes, which is exactly why they're a fixture on morning tables and in cafes. This version uses a baguette as the base, spreads it with mashed warm pinto beans, and blankets it in Oaxaca cheese — a stringy, mild melting cheese similar to mozzarella that pulls into strands under heat.
The eating experience is all about contrast: crusty toasted bread, creamy savory beans, gooey melted cheese, and a bright, raw pico de gallo of tomato, onion, and serrano scattered over the top for freshness and a jolt of chili heat. Broiling the loaded rolls is what brings it together, bubbling the cheese and crisping the edges while the beans warm through. It's vegetarian, filling, and endlessly adaptable — good for breakfast, a quick lunch, or a late snack. Add the pico only after broiling so it stays cool and crisp against the hot, melted base.
Molletes: frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Molletes?
A serving has about 326 calories — 20g protein, 34.4g carbs, 12.3g fat, 6.5g fiber. Figures are estimated from the ingredient amounts and will shift with your portions and brands.
Is Molletes gluten-free?
As written, no — it contains Baguette. You'd need a certified gluten-free swap for that ingredient to make it gluten-free.
Is Molletes dairy-free?
Not as written — it uses Oaxaca cheese. Swapping it for a plant-based alternative makes it dairy-free.
Do I need every ingredient to make Molletes?
The core ingredients are essential, but you can leave out serrano chilies — they're optional and mainly there for extra flavor or finish.
How many servings does Molletes make?
This recipe makes 4 servings. In the app you can scale it up or down and the ingredient amounts adjust automatically.